History of Shambhala (Part 1)

Shambhala Buddhism was conceived of by Chogyam Trungpa. It is primarily derived from Nyingma and Kayagu, two of the four ancient traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The others schools are Sakya and Gelug.

Padmasambhava

Nyingma tradition: Nyingma is the oldest of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Its doctrines and practices derive from teachings brought to Tibet during the 8th century by scholar-monks from India. Nyingma is referred to as the "school of the ancient translations" or "old school" because it is founded on the first translations of Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit into Tibetan. Nyingma comprises several distinct lineages that all trace their origins to the Indian master Padmasambhava, who is considered by some to be the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The Nyingma school has a tradition of continuous revelation of hidden teachings known as terma, which include the "Tibetan Book of the Dead."

Marpa

Kayagu: Kagyu, or "whispered tradition," Buddhists consider their practices and teachings to be inclusive of the full range of Buddha's teachings (the three yanas: hinayana, mahayan and vajrayana). Kagyu is different from the other schools of Tibetan Buddhism with having an emphasis on doctrine and rituals for select learned ones or monks.

Naropa

Kagyu Buddhists place a strong emphasis on the lineages of transmission which they follow. The Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism traces its origins back through Marpa the Great Translator. Marpa brought authentic Buddhist teachings to Tibet from India; his teacher was Naropa (for whom Naropa University is named). Naropa received the lineage transmission from Tilopa. Tilopa, in turn, traces his teachings back through others directly to to the Buddha himself. The Kagyu Lineage has been headed by a succession of reincarnations of the Gyalwa Karmapa. The line of the Karmapas is said to be self-announced, because each incarnation leaves a letter predicting his next rebirth. All great Kagyu teachers regard His Holiness Karmapa as the embodiment and source of all of the blessings of the lineage.

...to be continued.